Quality Engineer

Job description

· Support Technical Services and Manufacturing Engineering in working through material, process or quality issues
· Technically support the labs on all testing issues including documentation implementation, MSE's gage R & R's, test procedures and failure analysis
· Use quality background to assist in evolution of AS9100 system and meet NADCAP requirements.
· Be a leader of Six Sigma and Lean initiatives for Quality Assurance
· Lead and/or participate in quality audits (internal or external)
· Providing customers with technical support on testing issues and continuous improvement of all systems in the Quality Engineering function
· Lead all nonconformance report efforts including; flow, disposition, maintenance, and corrective actions

The Quality Engineer will be a part of the product technology team engaged in the continuous improvement of products and the processes which assure Solvay's ability to supply product conforming to the established requirement of customers. The objective is to achieve customer satisfaction by preventing non-conformities at each stage of the production process from goods receiving to packaging and shipping. The Quality Engineer will be responsible for appropriate portions of this continuous improvement activity by using their expertise in materials and processes.

Responsibilities will encompass technical and quality oversight supporting manufacturing, engineering and quality. Anticipation of needs will be assessed by a grasp of future product offerings, changing customer requirements and evolving industry standards. Continuous improvement in quality and manufacturing will be of utmost importance to the Quality Engineer along with the measuring system used to determine the extent of the improvement.

Training of laboratory technicians by “on the job” and classroom instruction will be a further responsibility and timely scheduling of instruction for initial, refresher and cross training activities will be expected.

Quality Engineering will also assure that production inspectors and other delegated personnel are adequately trained to undertake the essential tasks in the manufacturing process. This will include approval of testing and archival of records to demonstrate that training was appropriate and effective.

Since much of the continuous improvement in quality derives from the taking of effective action when non-conformities arise, Quality Engineering will oversee the internal discrepancy reporting process and the supplier corrective action process. Here the expectation is assuring that genuine root causes of non-conformities are determined, appropriate corrective action is taken, effectiveness of the corrective action is confirmed and both cause and corrective action are established in a timely manner.

In the area of prevention, the Quality Engineer has an auditing function to assure the quality of supplies and the proper functioning of the internal quality system both in its procedures and the extent to which they are observed. The ability to conduct audits and quantify the results, in a way that indicates improvement or deterioration in performance, is an essential part of the incumbent's job.

Incumbent must be prepared to use statistical charting and analysis of results obtained to ensure that equipment is capable of the precision required and that material properties are either in control and capable of meeting requirements or that steps are being taken to make them so. Lean principles will be utilized to improve flow within Quality and it will be expected of the Quality Engineer to lead these efforts.

Desired profile

The position requires a degree in Science or Technology or extensive related manufacturing experience as equivalency . An advanced degree in a related field is preferred. Knowledge in the field of fiber reinforced resin composites or plastics is highly desired. Ideally, experience would have been gained in the Quality Assurance, Materials and Process, and/or Manufacturing area. A knowledge of government and industry quality systems, including D6-82479, AS9100, NADCAP, BSS 7101. A working understanding of SPC and TQM (Continuous Improvement) techniques would be considered essential. Computer literacy is also required and previous exposure to a LIMS environment would be an advantage. A working understanding of 6 Sigma principles is also preferred. Must be able to work in a matrixed environment and the ability to lead projects involving employees at all levels.

A safety conscious work attitude and a grasp of laboratory hazards (chemical, mechanical, electrical and ergonomic) is a must.